5 new confirmed measles cases in Collier County as total nears 100

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Five new measles cases have been confirmed in Collier County as of the latest update from the Florida Department of Health.

The latest update from FDOH stated that there are 83 confirmed cases in Collier County, which is five more than last week. There are also an additional 15 probable cases in the county, bringing the total to 98.

The update comes after a case of measles was confirmed at a pre-K-12 school in Ave Maria on Wednesday.

The data tracks through March 7. Two cases of measles are also confirmed in Lee County; however, that number did not increase from last week.

The FDOH provided the following age data for cases in Collier County:

• Ages 0-4: 2
• Ages 5-9: 3
• Ages 10-14: 5
• Ages 15-19: 47
• Ages 20-24: 38
• Ages 35-39: 1
• Ages 55-59: 1
• Ages 60-64: 1

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. It can be transmitted four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately eight to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, with a range of seven to 21 days.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Malaise

Typically followed in three to five days by:

• A rash that often starts on the face and neck, but can spread over the entire body.
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers are found inside the mouth.

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